Schio Work Overtime For Bourges Double

Veteran Laura Macchi steadied the Beretta Famila ship and led her team to victory

Beretta Famila Schio look well placed to advance to the EuroLeague Women play-offs after defeating Tango Bourges 81-72 in an overtime thriller to complete a handy double over the French champions.

The Italian side blew a 13-point lead in the final quarter of regulation, but re-asserted themselves in real style during the extra period to take their fourth win of the campaign.

Schio were on top during the first phase of the contest, with a basket by center Kathrin Ress putting them 22-15 in front early in the second quarter.

However, led by in-form British guard Johannah Leedham who eventually finished with 16 points, Bourges rallied with a 19-9 run leading up to the interval.

Trailing 34-31, whatever Schio play-caller Miguel Mendez said in the locker room certainly worked as his players responded with a stunning third quarter, outscoring their opponents 20-6, eventually moving 53-40 in front early in the fourth quarter.

Bourges looked like they couldn't recover, but they came alive and turned the defensive screw to launch a comeback. Cathy Joens drained a huge triple inside the last minute to cut the gap to 62-60 and Celine Dumerc then tied the game with two free-throws.

Both teams then exchanged baskets before Katlin Honti missed chance to win the contest inside the 40 minutes.

However, the Hungarian guard subsequently set her team on their way in overtime, as Schio composed themselves once again to score the first six points in the extra period and get back on the front foot and on the road to victory.